William and Callum Fenton raised almost £2,000 for two causes close to their hearts by taking on a 5k inflatable course in Cheshire last month.
They have split the money between two causes close to their hearts, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and installing lifesaving equipment for fellow Yarnfield residents and visitors who may experience a cardiac emergency. William, nine, and Callum, 12, wanted to raise funds in memory of their older brother Luke.
Cardiac Risk in the Young offers cardiac screenings to young people who may have an undiagnosed heart condition, as well as raising awareness and funding research. The charity also provides compassionate support to families of young people who have sadly lost their lives to an undiagnosed heart condition.
The Fenton family said: “On September 22, 2023, Luke was taken from us suddenly at the age of 23, to an undiagnosed heart condition (LVH). He was our crazy, fun loving, kind hearted, big brother who taught us all the best lessons in life.
“Things will never be the same without him and we miss him every single day. Together, we can honour the memory of our amazing big brother with the help of your donations to protect young lives, and make our community safer for everyone.
“Our family has experienced the heartbreak of losing a loved one far too soon due to an undiagnosed heart condition. It’s an indescribable pain no family should ever have to endure — and one we are determined to help prevent for others.
“Through this fundraiser, we want not only to support CRY’s life-saving work but also to raise awareness about cardiac risk in young people. Early detection can save lives, and awareness is the first step.
Yarnfield already has defibrillators located off Mitchell Rise, The Furlong and Yarnfield Lane. The parish council is now working towards installing another one on the open space at Ford Drive.
The Fenton family said: “In a cardiac emergency, every second counts. A defibrillator on Ford Drive could mean the difference between a full recovery and a devastating outcome.
“By helping to fund this installation, we’re giving our neighbours a vital tool that could one day save a life.”
William and Callum were special guests at Yarnfield and Cold Meece Parish Council’s latest meeting on Monday (September 8), along with their mum and dad Louise and Simon. The boys were presented with certificates by council chair Sally Parkin.
She said: “Kids get a bad deal – people say young people today don’t feel part of the community or don’t do positive things. I think that’s wrong.
“Callum and William have done a fabulous thing with their parents and we’re so proud and so grateful. They’ve completed a 5k inflatable assault course and I think that must have been pretty tough.
“The amazing thing is how much they’ve raised and they have given £900 to our defibrillator campaign. This means that we have very nearly got enough money in the bank to place an order so we can get a defibrillator, which is an ambition we have had for a long time – there are a lot of people living in Ford Drive who are not close enough to the other defibrillators.”